INVOLUNTARY MUSCLES Meaning and
Definition
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Involuntary muscles, also known as smooth muscles, are a type of muscle tissue found in the walls of various organs and structures throughout the body. Unlike voluntary muscles, which can be consciously controlled and directed by the individual, involuntary muscles contract and relax without conscious effort or control. These muscles are vital for maintaining essential bodily functions and performing various internal tasks.
Involuntary muscles are characterized by their smooth appearance under the microscope, lacking the striated pattern seen in voluntary muscles. They are composed of elongated, spindle-shaped cells with a single nucleus, allowing for coordinated contractions. These muscles are not under the direct control of the brain, but rather under the control of the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system governs the involuntary functions of the body, such as digestion, heartbeat, breathing, and the constriction and dilation of blood vessels.
Involuntary muscles can be found in several organs and structures, including blood vessels, airways, urinary and reproductive systems, gastrointestinal tract, and the walls of internal organs like the stomach, intestines, and bladder. Their contractions occur rhythmically and involuntarily, helping propel substances like blood, urine, and food through their respective pathways.
Overall, involuntary muscles play a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis, regulating bodily functions, and allowing for various internal processes necessary for survival, even when not consciously aware or controlling their actions.
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Muscles not under control of the will; except in the case of the heart, they are non-striated muscles.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for INVOLUNTARY MUSCLES
- unvoluntary muscles
- jnvoluntary muscles
- knvoluntary muscles
- onvoluntary muscles
- 9nvoluntary muscles
- 8nvoluntary muscles
- ibvoluntary muscles
- imvoluntary muscles
- ijvoluntary muscles
- ihvoluntary muscles
- incoluntary muscles
- inboluntary muscles
- ingoluntary muscles
- infoluntary muscles
- inviluntary muscles
- invkluntary muscles
- invlluntary muscles
- invpluntary muscles
- inv0luntary muscles
- inv9luntary muscles
Etymology of INVOLUNTARY MUSCLES
The word "involuntary muscles" is composed of two main elements: "in" and "voluntary muscles".
The prefix "in-" is derived from Latin and means "not" or "without". In this context, it indicates the absence of voluntary control or conscious effort.
The term "voluntary muscles" refers to the muscles that are under conscious control, also known as skeletal muscles. These muscles are responsible for movements that can be controlled, such as walking, talking, or writing. They are connected to the skeleton and work in pairs.
Therefore, "involuntary muscles" refers to muscles that are not under conscious control. These muscles, also known as smooth muscles or visceral muscles, are found in various organs and play a role in involuntary bodily functions such as digestion, blood flow, and breathing. They are not connected to the skeleton and are not controlled by our will.
